Good concept but over the top execution

Rating: 5/10 (28 February 2015)

I am a little ashamed to say that this is the first Michael Bay movie I have seen. I know that is strange. This movie is not a bad choice to start.
I actually liked the concept. Mostly it reminded me of earlier movies such as Blade runner, Logan's run and others. It has been done countless times but it was still a nice ride. But my problem was that a good concept has been ruined a bit by some ridiculous action sequences. It starts slowly enough with Ewan mcgregor becoming curious about the facility and investigating what is going on. But then suddenly the action starts and it just seems to go on and on. At one point, when I saw the building sign come off and hit the helicopter, I started getting a headache. It is just mind boggling how these two characters can survive with the police and the search party on their heels. And these guys were carrying high caliber weapons and shooting non stop. I understand this is a common complaint in action movies but these guys were no Stallone or Schwarzenegger to pull it off.
One plus point is that I discovered how creepy Ewan Mcgregor looks. He could do some roles like this too. I admit I haven't really seen many movies of his, so maybe I am not aware of his other roles. Scarlett Johansson looks gorgeous. For some reason, her eyes look more alive in this than some other recent movies of hers.
The filmmakers could have taken more time for character development rather than get into the action so fast. A concept like this needs more time. I also thought Sean Bean as the villain was a little cartoonish and plays the same mad scientist role which has become a tired cinema trope now. The change of heart of the agent is also done in an abrupt way which is not highly logical.
I did think it was entertaining though. The two main characters are sympathetic enough for people to root for and the ending is also a nice touch. It could be much better though.
5/10